Monarch of the Seas

C, Winter

Age: 45

Occupation:sales

Number of Cruises: 1

Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean

Ship: Monarch of the Seas

Sailing Date: June 6th, 2005

Itinerary: Baja, Mexico

First, there's lots of parking here if you drive. But it's not free. They let us
board the ship earlier than posted, which was nice since we got there early like
requested. We went straight to the buffet, then out to the pool. The rooms were
not ready until early afternoon.

They start right off with a Jamaican band to get you in the vacation mood. We
found the staff to be very flirtatious with the younger members of our party,
and respectful and well mannered all the time.

Drinks are a bit pricey, but you pay for the glassware also.

We breakfasted and lunched in the windjammer and found the drinks too strong. We
needed to add water. Lemonade and apple juice was overly sweet and then the soda
machine broke.

Our cabin was on level 7 and the elevators were full with no room to enter for
most of the first day. And it was common to wait for four or five cars before
being able to get a lift. After the luggage was delivered to the rooms, there
seemed to be better elevator access.

The comedy shows were funny and clean, the singing and dancing shows seemed
drab. One or two strong talents and the rest were mediocre.

Air hockey, video games, ping pong, basketball, a library, the climbing wall, 2
pools and a spa. What more could you ask for? Peace and quite? not here. unless
you stay in your room.

I definitely recommend cruising, I love all the attention.

In Ensenada, stay away from the shuttle area that goes back to the ship. The
locals are "in your face" and rude if you don't buy their merchandise.

Catalina was quaint, and I stayed on board at San Diego, since I've visited
there a lot anyway.

I was sad to see Friday morning so quick. Overall, this was a very awesome time,
and i will look back with many happy thoughts.